Being Bookish

It arrived on Disney Plus in the UK last week and if you had any idea how much of a fan of the show I was I you wouldn't even need to guess. This week I am going to be talking about the 1985-1992 series starring Betty White, Rue McLanahan, Bea Arthur and Estelle Getty, The Golden Girls. Join me as I talk through what I loved about the characters and what I think made it so special.

This week I am traversing back in time to 1980 and reviewing a book that I read in my childhood - however inappropriate that may now happen to be. Yes, I am going to be talking about Stephen King's novel Firestarter. This book is a bit of a minefield, or at least that's what I discovered when I picked it up for the first time in over 30 years and started to read it. So, take a listen and find out what I thought on my first re-read of a book I remember liking. Does it still have the same impact?

This week I am taking a look at Dollface which arrived on Disney Plus earlier this year. Starring Kat Dennings, Brenda Song and Shay Mitchell it's a study of female relationships and rebuilding ones that were abandoned. I also give you an update on my mental health and why last week was a no go as far as this episode was concerned.

Also, if you wish to vote in the British Podcast Awards, don't wait, the deadline is Sunday 4th July, so time is running out. You can vote for your favourite podcast by following this link.

This week I am reviewing a book that is only a few days old -in fact, it was released in the UK on 24th June 2021. I am revisiting a favourite author in the form of Paige Toon and her latest novel, Someone I used to know. This book has everything you could want for a sunny (or rainy) day with a cup of something and a comfy chair. So, join me as I take a look at this much-anticipated (by me and many) release.

This week I have moved away from the YA, the magical and the mystical and taken a trip to the world of old Hollywood glamour, courtesy of Taylor Jenkins Reid and her 2017 novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I have to admit, I had no idea what to expect when I picked this book up, but less than two days later it was done and I spent 7 days processing how I was going to talk about it. So, here it is.

The Bookshop is open. Enjoy your visit.

This week I'm taking you to the Caribbean and the fictional island of St Marie, where having a secret can be murder! This British series has been a long-time favourite of mine; a procedural that offers up murder with a side of white sands and turquoise waters and I love every minute of it. So, if you want to find out more about a procedural that doesn't take itself too seriously (and airs in 236 countries) then join me on this long-haul flight to paradise!

Also, if you want to vote in the 2021 British Podcast awards, head over here.

This week I am heading into mythological territory (yes, again), with the latest novel from American author, Alexandra Bracken. Lore, which was released earlier this year, is a tale of tragedy, discovery and vengeance with the added bonus of the fact it all takes place (pretty much) in modern-day New York. Want to find out more, give this episode a listen now. And no, it's nothing to do with the podcast Lore or the Amazon TV show that spun from it.

This week I am introducing you to Bernard Black and his amazing collection of books in a small shop near Bloomsbury. Yes, I am taking you on a trip to Black Books. I hope you enjoy the visit, just don't go near the shop owner, he'll bite your head off.

Also, as I mentioned in the show, voting is open for the British Podcasting Awards. Get your votes in and, if you want, you can vote for Not Before Coffee! (don't forget the all-important "!")

This week I am taking a look at a relatively recent release in the form of the first book in a new series by Canadian author, Kelley Armstrong. The book in question is Cursed Luck, which came out at the beginning of May 2021. It's the story of a cursed necklace, the curse weaver who can perhaps remove said curse and many deceptions that get the two together!

This week, I am revisiting Lucifer and looking at the most recent episodes released on Netflix as of the 28th of May 2021. This review is as spoiler-free as I can make it - in other words, I reveal pretty much nothing that will have you running away screaming I spoiled the show for you. In fact, this may well encourage you to watch it if you haven't already...